Name: Copycat Olive Garden Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag iceberg garden salad mix (or homemade salad mix, ingredients in notes); 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup pitted black olives; 4-6 pepperoncini peppers; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated; 1 cup croutons (Olive Garden brand preferred); 1 cup Olive Garden Signature Salad Dressing

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Oh, how we all love that iconic Olive Garden salad! The mix of crisp veggies, savory cheese, tangy dressing, and that irresistible combination of flavors—it’s the perfect start to any meal. But guess what? You don’t have to make a trip to the restaurant to enjoy it. With this Copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe, you can recreate that restaurant magic right at home. It’s easy, fresh, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought versions!

Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Salad

This salad isn’t just a side—it’s a whole experience! Here’s why it’s a winner:

Fresh and Crisp: The mix of iceberg lettuce, Romaine, and all the colorful veggies makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s that perfect crunchy texture you crave.
Restaurant-Quality: If you’ve ever ordered this salad at Olive Garden, you know it’s a game-changer. Now you can enjoy it anytime without leaving your kitchen.
Customizable: You can make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or extras like olives, pepperoncini, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Super Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a salad that’s restaurant-quality without breaking a sweat.
Perfect Pairing: Whether you’re serving pasta, pizza, or just having a light lunch, this salad is the ideal complement to any meal.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this copycat version:

Iceberg Lettuce: The base of any great salad! It’s crisp, refreshing, and adds that satisfying crunch we all love.

Romaine Lettuce: For extra texture and flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the iceberg lettuce.

Red Onion: Adds a little bite and color to the salad. The thin slices provide the perfect flavor balance.

Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they brighten up the salad and add a pop of color.

Cucumbers: Refreshing and crisp, cucumbers bring a fresh element to the mix.

Black Olives: Salty, savory, and a must-have for that authentic Olive Garden flavor.

Pepperoncini: These tangy, slightly spicy peppers give the salad a little kick. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color!

Shredded Parmesan: For that final touch of flavor. It’s the cheesy goodness that brings everything together.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing: This is the secret! The tangy, creamy dressing that brings the whole salad to life. You can use store-bought Olive Garden dressing, or I’ll show you how to make a homemade version in the recipe card below.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this salad on the table:

Prepare the Veggies

Start by washing and drying your lettuce. Chop the iceberg and Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a large bowl. Next, slice your red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. Add them to the bowl, along with the black olives and pepperoncini peppers.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the salad. This adds a lovely salty and creamy flavor that’s essential for that Olive Garden taste.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the salad with Olive Garden dressing—generously! You want each bite to be flavorful and coated with that signature tangy goodness. Toss everything together to evenly coat the veggies.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or let the salad chill for a few minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy with your favorite Italian meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Salad

This salad is perfect as a side dish for many meals. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

With Pasta: It’s an obvious pairing! Serve it alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or your favorite pasta dish.
On the Side of Pizza: The crisp, refreshing salad complements a hot, cheesy pizza perfectly.
As a Light Meal: If you’re craving something light, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying, full meal.
With Breadsticks: Of course, no Olive Garden-inspired meal is complete without a side of warm, buttery breadsticks for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your salad even better:

Make it Ahead: You can prep the veggies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add the cheese and dressing right before serving.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for extra richness.
Homemade Dressing: If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own Olive Garden-style dressing at home. It’s super simple, and I’ll share a recipe below!
Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of pepperoncini peppers, try adding sweet bell peppers or even a mild red onion for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make It Heartier: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a complete meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-made salad mixes for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to chop the veggies and mix them up with the other ingredients for that Olive Garden-style look and taste.

Q2: Can I make the dressing at home?
A2: Absolutely! You can make a homemade Olive Garden-style dressing using a mix of mayo, buttermilk, parmesan, and a few other ingredients. I’ll share a recipe for that below!

Q3: How do I store leftover salad?
A3: While salads are best fresh, you can store any leftover veggies (without the dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving.

Q4: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prep the veggies and store them in the fridge for a few hours, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Q5: Can I make this salad vegan?
A5: Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use a vegan dressing to keep it fully plant-based.

Q6: Can I use other types of cheese?
A6: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use mozzarella or a tangy feta, though Parmesan is the signature cheese for this recipe.

Q7: How do I make the dressing at home?
A7: To make a homemade version, mix ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined!

Q8: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A8: You can mix things up by using spinach or arugula for a slightly different flavor, but iceberg and Romaine are the classic choices for that perfect texture.

Q9: Can I add other toppings like croutons?
A9: Absolutely! Crunchy croutons would be a great addition to this salad for an extra layer of texture.

Q10: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A10: Yes! Just double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Salad is the perfect recipe to bring that restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. With crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s the kind of salad you’ll want to serve at every meal. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to steal the show. Enjoy!